Jerome “Jerry” Vaccaro, of Medford, passed away on Tuesday, November 21st at the Life Care Center of Stoneham. He was 91.
Born in Boston, he was the son of the late John and Carmella (Ferrara) Vaccaro. After high school graduation, Jerry enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country during WWII and Korea, and earned the rank of corporal. Between the two wars, Jerry started working for Northeast Airlines. After his honorable discharge, he continued working for Northeast as a mechanic and later achieved the position of lead aircraft mechanic. Northeast Airlines was later acquired by Delta Airlines and Jerry continued with the company until his retirement in 1988, after 42 years of service.
In his spare time, Jerry enjoyed gardening, walking the track at Tufts, playing cards, going to dinners and dances at the senior center and bowling with a local league in Malden.
Jerry was the beloved husband of Rita (Raymond) Vaccaro. The two were married on October 12, 1952 at St. Francis de Sales Church in Charlestown. They shared 65 loving years of marriage. He was the devoted father of Jeanne Robertson and her husband Michael of Wakefield, Anne Carmella and her husband Jeff of Arizona, John Vaccaro of Danvers, Ken Vaccaro and his wife Nancy of Acton, David Vaccaro and his wife Claudia of Stoneham. Jerry was the loving grandfather of David and Mark Vaccaro, both of Stoneham and Kayla Vaccaro of Acton, and was the dear brother of the late Nick Vaccaro. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
His funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main Street, Medford, on Tuesday, November 28th at 10 AM followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated in St. Raphael Church, 512 High Street, Medford, at 11AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Monday from 3 through 7 PM. Services will conclude with interment at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
Donations may be sent in Jerry's name to the Alzheimer's Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452.